HIV-induced stupor treated with ECT.

A 27-year-old man positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) presented with severe depressive stupor, peripheral neuropathy, and myelopathy. The onset of psychiatric symptoms, closely followed by neurological symptoms, without other possible somatic etiology suggests that HIV itself might precipitate psychosis. The patient was treated successfully with electroconvulsive therapy. The advantages and risks are discussed.